Seattle accents: Unsexy and unremarkable?

By VANESSA HO, SEATTLEPI.COM

Updated 11:36 am, Friday, October 18, 2013

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Seattle emerged as a mostly boring place in an otherwise interesting recent study of American dialect. Apparently, we speak and sound like much of the country, with few distinctive traits.
Here's our study of Emerald City dialect, with things you'll hear only in Seattle, followed by things you'll never hear in Seattle (next gallery below). less

Seattle emerged as a mostly boring place in an otherwise interesting recent study of American dialect. Apparently, we speak and sound like much of the country, with few distinctive traits. Here's our study ... more

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''Mayvember''
The Seattle phenomenon of living with damp gloom when everyone else is enjoying camping, hiking, barbecues and other sunny pursuits.

''Mayvember'' The Seattle phenomenon of living with damp gloom when everyone else is enjoying camping, hiking, barbecues and other sunny pursuits.

Photo: Robert Sumner, Getty Images

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''Juneuary''
When the bleakness of ''Mayvember'' bleeds into June and starts to feel endless. Also known as ''June gloom.''

''Juneuary'' When the bleakness of ''Mayvember'' bleeds into June and starts to feel endless. Also known as ''June gloom.''

Photo: Otto Greule Jr, Getty Images

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''Pop'' or ''soda''?
The dialect study, from North Carolina State University, mapped the answers from a series of questions, like whether you say ''pop'' or ''soda,'' ''creek'' or ''crik,'' and ''firefly'' or ''lightning bug.''
For the fizzy drink question, Seattle was split, with 55 percent of us saying ''pop.'' Another 33 percent say ''soda.'' Then there's the nerdy 7 percent that still says ''soft drink.'' less

''Pop'' or ''soda''? The dialect study, from North Carolina State University, mapped the answers from a series of questions, like whether you say ''pop'' or ''soda,'' ''creek'' or ''crik,'' and ''firefly'' ... more

Photo: Mario Tama, Getty Images

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''Pill bug'' or ''roly poly''?
What do you call the gray insect-like things that roll up into a ball when you touch them?
This is the one place where Seattle stood out in the study. Much of the U.S. says ''roly poly,'' and a few big cities say ''pill bug.'' But Seattle prefers ''potato bug,'' a phrase limited largely to the Northwest, Utah and Western New York.
(If you call these things ''wood lice'' or ''armadillo bugs,'' you're in a minority. The study only counted the most popular terms for each category). less

''Pill bug'' or ''roly poly''? What do you call the gray insect-like things that roll up into a ball when you touch them? This is the one place where Seattle stood out in the study. Much of the U.S. ... more

Photo: Created By Lauriann Wakefield, Getty Images/Flickr RF

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''Meet at the pig.''
If you have to ask, 'What pig?'' you're not in Seattle.

''Meet at the pig.'' If you have to ask, 'What pig?'' you're not in Seattle.

Photo: DAN DELONG, P-I File

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''Am-holes''
A not-so-nice word for some Amazon employees in rapidly changing South Lake Union.
It stems from an ''Am-hole quiz'' posted in the neighborhood that asked: ''Do you walk six people wide on the sidewalk chatting about Amazon crap and not let others pass?'' less

''Am-holes'' A not-so-nice word for some Amazon employees in rapidly changing South Lake Union. It stems from an ''Am-hole quiz'' posted in the neighborhood that asked: ''Do you walk six people wide on ... more

Photo: Getty Images

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''12th Man''
You may hear this phrase in other cities, and Texas A&M owns the copyright for it. But everyone knows it's mostly associated with the raucous fans of one team alone: Seattle.
The Seahawks began using the phrase in 1984 when they retired the number. less

''12th Man'' You may hear this phrase in other cities, and Texas A&M owns the copyright for it. But everyone knows it's mostly associated with the raucous fans of one team alone: Seattle. The Seahawks ... more

Photo: Otto Greule Jr, Getty Images

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''There's a convergence zone forming.''
Weather geek code for ''there's a storm brewing in North Seattle and beyond.''

''There's a convergence zone forming.'' Weather geek code for ''there's a storm brewing in North Seattle and beyond.''

Photo: Zeb Andrews, Getty Images/Flickr RF

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''Mariwhatnow?''
The word that suddenly made the Seattle Police Department's blotter a hip thing to read. It was the headline for an intro to Washington's new pot laws.

''Mariwhatnow?'' The word that suddenly made the Seattle Police Department's blotter a hip thing to read. It was the headline for an intro to Washington's new pot laws.

Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO, Seattlepi.com

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''The mountain is out.''
More Seattle code for ''It's a beautiful day.''

''The mountain is out.'' More Seattle code for ''It's a beautiful day.''

Photo: Jim Corwin, Getty Images

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''Let's go to Dick's.''
You might hear this phrase elsewhere, but it won't mean as much fun as it does in Seattle.

''Let's go to Dick's.'' You might hear this phrase elsewhere, but it won't mean as much fun as it does in Seattle.

Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO, SEATTLEPI.COM

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Someone steal stuff from your car?
Most cities call that a ''break-in.'' But Seattle uses the eccentric phrase ''car prowl,'' which adds a dash of menace.

Someone steal stuff from your car? Most cities call that a ''break-in.'' But Seattle uses the eccentric phrase ''car prowl,'' which adds a dash of menace.

Photo: Getty Images

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''I now pronounce you husband and husband.''
Seattle isn't the only place you'll this momentous phrase. But with King County's more than 1,300 same-sex marriages so far, it's a proud epicenter for gay marriage. less

''I now pronounce you husband and husband.'' Seattle isn't the only place you'll this momentous phrase. But with King County's more than 1,300 same-sex marriages so far, it's a proud epicenter for gay ... more

Photo: Joshua Trujillo, Seattlepi.com

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How do you pronounce ''grocery''?
This word also divided Seattle. More than 56 percent of us pronounce the ''c'' in ''grocery'' with a ''sh'' sound, like ''shock,'' the study found.
Another 44 percent uses the ''s'' sound, like ''sock.'' Or you could just say ''comestibles and victuals.'' less

How do you pronounce ''grocery''? This word also divided Seattle. More than 56 percent of us pronounce the ''c'' in ''grocery'' with a ''sh'' sound, like ''shock,'' the study found. Another 44 percent ... more

Photo: Justin Sullivan, Getty Images

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''Traffic circle''
If you're driving around one of these things in Seattle, it's never a ''roundabout.''

''Traffic circle'' If you're driving around one of these things in Seattle, it's never a ''roundabout.''

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''The bridge is up.''
Doesn't matter which bridge. This is a universally accepted excuse in Seattle for why you're running late.

''The bridge is up.'' Doesn't matter which bridge. This is a universally accepted excuse in Seattle for why you're running late.

Photo: Joshua Trujillo, Seattlepi.com

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''Left-lane camper''
A Seattle special, to describe someone who infuriates other drivers by lollygagging in the passing lane.

''Left-lane camper'' A Seattle special, to describe someone who infuriates other drivers by lollygagging in the passing lane.

Photo: Vicki Reid, Getty Images

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''Snowmaggedon!''
In other cities, this means major storm. In Seattle, it also means little baby flakes that barely dust the ground, causing great alarm.
For 14 words and phrases you'll NEVER hear in Seattle, continue reading in the next gallery below. less

''Snowmaggedon!'' In other cities, this means major storm. In Seattle, it also means little baby flakes that barely dust the ground, causing great alarm. For 14 words and phrases you'll NEVER hear in ... more

Photo: Ed Reschke, Getty Images

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Seattle may not call a ''water fountain'' a ''bubbler,'' or a ''sub'' a ''hoagie.''
But there's many other things we also don't say in these parts.

Seattle may not call a ''water fountain'' a ''bubbler,'' or a ''sub'' a ''hoagie.''
But there's many other things we also don't say in these parts.

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''The 5''
That's for Californians. Seattle says ''I-5,'' which makes us sound slightly provincial, as if we must emphasize the fact that this is a really big freeway that crosses state lines.

''The 5'' That's for Californians. Seattle says ''I-5,'' which makes us sound slightly provincial, as if we must emphasize the fact that this is a really big freeway that crosses state lines.

Photo: George Rose, Getty Images

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''Medium black coffee, please.''
What's that?

''Medium black coffee, please.'' What's that?

Photo: Philip J Brittan, Getty Images

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''I'll bing it.''
Nope. Never hear this one in Seattle.

''I'll bing it.'' Nope. Never hear this one in Seattle.

Photo: Michael Buckner, 2012 Getty Images

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''What's on your Zune?
Also never caught on.

''What's on your Zune? Also never caught on.

Photo: Scott Olson, Getty Images

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''Think the Mariners will make the World Series?''
Why ask.

''Think the Mariners will make the World Series?'' Why ask.

Photo: Otto Greule Jr, Getty Images

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''Paper or plastic?''

''Paper or plastic?''

Photo: David Paul Morris, Getty Images

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''This Dunkin' Donuts coffee is delicious!''
It might very well be delicious, but there's no need in Seattle to find out.

''This Dunkin' Donuts coffee is delicious!'' It might very well be delicious, but there's no need in Seattle to find out.

Photo: Tim Boyle, Getty Images

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''I'll have a Bud Light.''
Code for ''I hate beer.''

''I'll have a Bud Light.'' Code for ''I hate beer.''

Photo: Alexander Tamargo, 2010 Alexander Tamargo

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''Phoenix Jones will solve the case.''
Seattle does have its own superhero, but he's no Batman to Gotham City.

''Phoenix Jones will solve the case.'' Seattle does have its own superhero, but he's no Batman to Gotham City.

Photo: Joshua Trujillo, AP

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''How was church?''
Maybe not ''never,'' but ''rarely'' heard, in our heathen city.

''How was church?'' Maybe not ''never,'' but ''rarely'' heard, in our heathen city.

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''Let me get my umbrella.''
Why bother?

''Let me get my umbrella.'' Why bother?

Photo: Michael Blann, Getty Images

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''I'm so excited about the monster truck show.''
Can sub in ''NASCAR'' or ''deer season.''

''I'm so excited about the monster truck show.'' Can sub in ''NASCAR'' or ''deer season.''

"When it comes to romance, most of us dream of long lazy days in the sun, epic sunsets and, ahem, rolls in the hay. It’s therefore no surprise that in at number one is the sweet sound of the South. The distinctive sound of the Southern drawl is infamous the world over, but who knew its sing-song tones were secretly such a turn on? Interestingly the Southern accent proved a particular hit with the men who were surveyed. We’re not sure if they’re after a Scarlett O’Hara or a Daisy Duke, but either way it’s great news for all you single southern belles!" - Cupid.com less

"When it comes to romance, most of us dream of long lazy days in the sun, epic sunsets and, ahem, rolls in the hay. It’s therefore no surprise that in at number one is the sweet sound of the South. The ... more

Photo: JIM BLAYLOCK, AP

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"New Yorkers short, sharp talk may sometimes come across as harsh, but that didn’t stop it from landing second place as most attractive accent in North America. You may have thought that their directness would scare prospective lovers off, but it seems that’s far from the case. In fact New York’s fast and straight talking is actually very popular – especially among those women surveyed. Bachelors of New York – make yourselves known!" - Cupid.com less

"New Yorkers short, sharp talk may sometimes come across as harsh, but that didn’t stop it from landing second place as most attractive accent in North America. You may have thought that their directness ... more

Photo: Frank Franklin II, Associated Press

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"With notable exceptions like the laid-back sounds of California’s surfer dudes, the West is home to North America’s least distinctive and most generic accents. However, far from being a downfall it seems to be serving Westerners well, as they bagged third place in Cupid.com’s survey. So the Western states are a potential hotbed of love and romance." - Cupid.com less

"With notable exceptions like the laid-back sounds of California’s surfer dudes, the West is home to North America’s least distinctive and most generic accents. However, far from being a downfall it seems ... more

Photo: Ana Venegas, Associated Press

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"Ah, the Boston accent; one of the most characteristic in the USA. Yes, they may have something funny going on with the letter “R”, but that didn’t stop New England ranking fourth as the most attractive accent in North America according to this survey. New England scored particularly highly with females; we wonder if that has anything to do with Boston’s famous sons Matt Damon, Mark Wahlberg and Ben Affleck?" - Cupid.com less

"Ah, the Boston accent; one of the most characteristic in the USA. Yes, they may have something funny going on with the letter “R”, but that didn’t stop New England ranking fourth as the most attractive ... more

Photo: Sean D. Elliot, Associated Press

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"We wouldn’t want to be the ones to have to break it to Tony Soprano, but it seems his native New Jersey accent isn’t a winner when it comes to love. Yes, Tony may have had more romantic conquests than we’ve had hot meals, but his hard-hitting New Jersey accent only reached fifth place in our Cupid.com survey. Tony may have found some solace in the fact that once again it was women who reacted most positively to New Jersey’s harsh tones. It seems that when it comes to love, daters are looking for partners who conform to the gender stereotypes of softly-spoken women and tough-talking men." - Cupid.com less

"We wouldn’t want to be the ones to have to break it to Tony Soprano, but it seems his native New Jersey accent isn’t a winner when it comes to love. Yes, Tony may have had more romantic conquests than ... more

Photo: Wayne Parry, Associated Press

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"Although many people outside North America find it hard to distinguish between the American and Canadian accents, the Canadian accent is both distinct and different. Although it’s hard to generalise as there are regional differences not to mention native French speakers, the Canadian accent is closest to that of Midwestern America. Whatever the reasons for it ranking so highly, this result proves once and for all that singles are an inclusive bunch, and that when it comes to love they won’t be held back by international borders." - Cupid.com less

"Although many people outside North America find it hard to distinguish between the American and Canadian accents, the Canadian accent is both distinct and different. Although it’s hard to generalise as there ... more

Photo: Frank Gunn, Associated Press

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"She may have graced the cover of Sports Illustrated’s swimsuit issue two years in a row, but it seems that Kate Upton’s appeal isn’t her accent. Who would have guessed? Yes, the buxom beauties native Midwest came second to last place in Cupid.com’s survey. We’re sorry Midwesterners, but we’re sure that just like Kate you all have many other attractive assets to be proud of." - Cupid.com less

"She may have graced the cover of Sports Illustrated’s swimsuit issue two years in a row, but it seems that Kate Upton’s appeal isn’t her accent. Who would have guessed? Yes, the buxom beauties native ... more

Photo: Daniel Acker, Bloomberg

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"Ranking in eighth and final place in Cupid.com’s survey is the Mid-Atlantic. Yes, residents of Mid-Atlantic States from Nebraska to Pennsylvania - it seems that your accents just aren’t considered attractive. But let’s not dwell on the negative. Single people may have landed your accent in last place, but that didn’t hold back international heartthrobs and Mid-Atlantic natives such as Will Smith, Bradley Cooper or Taylor Swift. Yes, there’s hope for you guys yet!" - Cupid.com less

"Ranking in eighth and final place in Cupid.com’s survey is the Mid-Atlantic. Yes, residents of Mid-Atlantic States from Nebraska to Pennsylvania - it seems that your accents just aren’t considered ... more

Photo: Ted Anthony, AP

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Seattle accents: Unsexy and unremarkable?

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A recent survey found that a West Coast accent isn't as "attractive" as a Southern drawl or New York speech, and that West Coasters speak with an unremarkable, "generic" accent. Are we really that boring?

The survey, by dating site Cupid.com, lumped Seattle into one giant Western region, saying the area is "is home to North America's least distinctive and most generic accents." (But the region did rank No. 3 for attractive accents).

Well, we think Seattle has a unique dialect and way of talking. Check out our slideshow above for our take on Seattle speech, with input from a different study of American dialects (which also found Seattle unremarkable for speech patterns).

It's a list of things you'll hear only in Seattle, followed by a few things you'll never hear in Seattle.

Which North American accent was the last attractive? The answer is in the photos above. When you get to the Reese Witherspoon photo (No. 35), that's the start of Cupid.com's ranking of "most attractive accents." It was based on a survey of more than 2,000 people. Here's the ranking in list form: